To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider allowing free eye tests for deaf people, given the problems of dual sensory impairment.

The Government recognise the vital importance of sight to deaf people, especially where they also have visual problems. All children (including deaf children) are already entitled to free sight tests under the NHS, as are full-time students under 19, people on low incomes, people with exceptionally powerful lenses, diabetics, glaucoma sufferers and their relatives aged over 40, and people referred by their GP to the hospital eye service. These categories were decided on in the light of medical advice.We shall consider carefully the views on this matter which were recently put to officials by a member of the Social Services Select Committee.